What should I do now?

[Little Chicky]

This is what the Zoning guide says for where I live (in a list of allowed activities):

g. Agriculture, which in this district shall mean the cultivation of the soil principally for the production of food products,
but shall not include the following:
(1) The feeding or other disposal of community or collected garbage.
(2) The raising or dealing in poultry, or any animals for business or commercial purposes, except as incidental to a
bona fide general farming operation. Said animals or poultry shall not be housed, stabled, kenneled or yarded
closer than one hundred (100) feet from any residence other than that of the owner or user of the property.
(3) Buildings or structures, and the sale of agricultural products produced soley on the premises, are considered
agricultural if located on a lot containing not less than five (5) acres of land area.

What does that mean? Am i allowed to have 3 hens? Even my parents couldn't figure it out... Help!

EDIT:

I looked at a few more things, and found out that the above applies to people in the "Estate zone", where we live. In the "Residential Zone" (I don't see a difference, we in a normal neighborhood, not a sub division) all poultry is allowed. Should I call the city hall to clarify (will that make them be suspicious and close the loophole)? Or should I get the chicks without asking them? (I know my neighbors wouldn't care)

 

[AZKat]

To me (and I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV) it reads like they are defining what is 'agricultural' and what is not, and allowing chickens in areas that are not agricultural as long as the birds are at least 100 from the neighbor's house.

 

[FaithAnn]

To give a good interpretation of the ordinance, you really need to see the rest of it -- Is there a link or a way you can send that chapter?

 

[lux_interior]

I think it is saying that you cannot have chickens for business purposes, unless it is a farming operation, and in the case that it IS farming operation, it would have to be at least 100 feet from any neighbors.

Since you are most likely not owning these three hens for business purposes, I'd say that you are fine.

 

[texasbartrambaby]

I read it the same way - you are allowed to keep chickens as long as you are not a poultry house - eg; hatchery or hundreds of chickens for egg selling purposes.

I also read at least a 100 feet away from neighbors property.

Are you outside the city limits?

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

That ordinance seems to refer to commercial poultry raising. You should really call your local zoning department and just ask them. Sometimes the local Animal Control or SPCA can provide you with information also.

 

[JessHall]

That's what I think too... here it is 35' from the owners residence and 100' from a neighbors residence. I think that you are ok... You're clearly not farming with 3 chickens! Good luck

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Quote:
Personally, i think you will feel better knowing for sure you are allowed to have your chickens. Ignorance of the law is probably not an allowable loophole. Generally, if you are not allowed to have chickens, all it takes is one disgruntled neighbor to get them taken away. And, you may have nice neighbors now, but what if someone moves and the new neighbor doesn't like your chickens?

When i lived in Los Angeles, we were allowed to have chickens, but were too close on the set-back requirements on one side. Even though that neighbor didn't mind, i was always afraid that someone would complain and i could end up losing all my babies.

When we moved to Northern California, i made sure to know the codes and regulations so we would buy in an area where i could keep my chickens without worry.

i think you should call City Hall, or the Code Enforcement Dept, or whomever it is in your area with the information, and set your mind at ease before getting your chickens.

Just my two cents.

 

[Little Chicky]

Quote:
Personally, i think you will feel better knowing for sure you are allowed to have your chickens. Ignorance of the law is probably not an allowable loophole. Generally, if you are not allowed to have chickens, all it takes is one disgruntled neighbor to get them taken away. And, you may have nice neighbors now, but what if someone moves and the new neighbor doesn't like your chickens?

When i lived in Los Angeles, we were allowed to have chickens, but were too close on the set-back requirements on one side. Even though that neighbor didn't mind, i was always afraid that someone would complain and i could end up losing all my babies.

When we moved to Northern California, i made sure to know the codes and regulations so we would buy in an area where i could keep my chickens without worry.

i think you should call City Hall, or the Code Enforcement Dept, or whomever it is in your area with the information, and set your mind at ease before getting your chickens.

Just my two cents.

I called, and I AM allowed! My city's zoning guide is the most complicated I've ever seen... The chicken laws were scattered across 10 land use pages. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Woooooooo Hooooooooo! Now you can go out and get your chickens with no worries!